WRR March/April 2014 by Wicked Running Club

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The Wicked Running Register • March/April 2014 • newsletter@wickedrunningclub.com

Running Register

March/April 2014 • Priceless

Est. Jan 2010

Presidential Perspective T.R. Ramsdell

What a difference a year makes. I am still SO excited about this years Boston Marathon. I plan on using a lot of caps in this column, so prepare. I had the incredible privilege of running this years marathon with one of Wicked’s invitational numbers. Tim Short got the other, and although I ran it much slower than he, I guarantee that I had more fun. NO ONE had a better time out there than me. The plan was to run slow, (didn’t even wear a watch), so I could really take in the whole experience and appreciate the historical significance of the day, (the bronchitis helped with that). The crowds were crazy loud the whole route. It seriously just never let up the entire race. You couldn’t help but get pushed along by this amazing collection of people. Just constant cheering and encouragement from everyone. If you were out there, thank you, thank you! As a result of this unexpected pandemonium, and regardless of my running sans watch, I ran the first half much faster than I wanted to. I did the math at each mile and figured my splits to be sub 8. Really needed to slow it down and focus on “taking it all in”. This was not about a PR, it was about high-fiving little kids, and boy did I! Even for the kids that didn’t have their hand out, I ran over and said “C’mon, gimme some!” I’m happy to say that they all obliged me. The next race marker for me was the

gel stop at mile 17. Even though I knew they’d be there, I was almost brought to tears when I came over the hill and saw everyone’s faces. There they were, 60 of my Wicked friends and teammates cheering their asses off for me! I stopped for a while and ran back and forth across the street to try and give everyone some sweaty hugs or a high five, and pose for pictures. I was having such a good time, I almost forgot the task at hand. I still had 9 more miles of this little adventure to finish up. To all of you that were there, thank you for that, I really needed that boost at mile 17. The trio of hills to follow were “interesting”. And although I’d been out on the course and run the hills twice before on training runs, they seemed especially daunting today. A lot of people don’t realize that there are actually 3 hills, not just Heartbreak Hill. The first 2 wear you down, and Heartbreak just kicks you in the b***s! There was some walking on the hills today, not gonna lie! I’d been warned about the downhill from the top of Heartbreak to the finish line. Warned about downhill finish? What could be better than a downhill finish? HOLY CRAP the down hills are BRUTAL on your quads. I locked up SOLID and had to keep stopping to stretch and take walk breaks. If you caught me walking, I’m sorry. I even covered my bib with my hand so I wouldn’t be photographed. Just one more example of how awesome and supportive the crowds were? As I was stopped, grabbing a post and trying to stretch out my now, calf ’s, quads, and hammys, I could hear this huge group of kids near BC screaming across the

street to me “C’mon red (obviously because of my Wicked jersey), get it together. You can do this! You got this!” And when I turned around and started running again, they erupted with cheers. What a feeling to have strangers push you along like that! I was so happy to finally take the right onto Hereford (how come nobody told me there was another hill?). As I turned left onto Boylston, nothing in the world looked better than to see the finish line in the distance. As I ran down Boylston, I just kept looking to the sides to look into the faces of those that had gathered to cheer us in. It’s still very hard to put into words just how I felt being out there and having the chance to be part of this. I stepped across that magical finish line that I had waited so long to cross, and reached down to touch it. I did it. I ran in the most historic marathon of all time. And while I had the worst CLOCK time of any marathon I’ve ever done (over an hour slower) I had the best TIME I’ve ever had! I actually ENJOYED running a marathon for a change! Thank you Wicked for giving me the number, thank you gel stop volunteers for being there, thank you volunteers at the athletes village and at the finish line, thank you Facebook stalkers for the support, and thanks to everyone on the course that yelled to me!

T.R.

The Wicked Running Register • March/April 2014 • newsletter@wickedrunningclub.com

Wicked Grand Prix Series 2014 T.R. Ramsdell

Okay Wicked, let’s get this party started. And by party, I mean the 2014 WGP series. We just had our first race on Sun April 27, and Wicked was out there “Gittin ‘er done”! I don’t have an exact count yet, but at first glance it looks like there were about 30 members out there and about half took home bling! Well done guys and gals. Race number 2 will be on Sunday May 18, in Newburyport. Travs Trail 3 miler is a new one for the WGP this year. After losing the OSG race this year, I found this replacement. It is a challenging cross country course with some rolling hills. Tim Short knows this course well, so ask him any questions you have. Race starts at 10:30. Race 3 is also a new entry for the series this year. The Twin Lobster 1/2 marathon in Gloucester starts at 8 am on Sunday June 1. Billed as a mostly flat and fast course this should be a good PR race.

The fourth race this year is a brand spankin’ new one in town. So many people hate the 10 miler in Newburyport with its difficult time, bad water and brutal temperatures, that we came up with a new one to make everyone happy. On Sun June 22 is the inaugural NERC (New England Running Company) 10 miler in Beverly. Start and finish is at the Beverly Cove Community Center, and the course runs along the ocean out to the Manchester border and back. It has some light rolling hills and great scenery along the way. Don’t miss it! There you have it. That should hold you over for a bit. We take July off for the series, so we’ll pick it up again with the Derby St mile in August. I want to remind you all once again to please wear your Wicked gear when you’re out there racing. It’s so tough to pick out faces during a race, and so much easier to focus on a red shirt. I can’t cheer for you if I can’t spot you quickly. Get your gear from Michael Harvey, our clothing director. I’ll be out there, will you? C’mon, who’s in?

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The Wicked Running Register • March/April 2014 • newsletter@wickedrunningclub.com

OPEN HOUSE FOR WICKED MEMBERS!

Race Review by Julie Arrison As an annual tradition, a small Wicked contingent made the pilgrimage to JP for the annual Doyle’s Emerald Necklace Five Miler on April 13th, 2014. Though the description of the race is “flat and fast” the rolling hills through Franklin Park offer a small challenge to any runner, but the scenery of Boston’s largest greenspace makes up for any challenges. This race is certainly one of those “old school” races. There are few bells and whistles. No one will throw paint at you, there are no obstacles outside of a pothole or two, and shirts only go to the first 300 that register. The race attracts about 2000 runners of all abilities. You have strong competitors who crush the course and groups of women who have been walking it for 30+ years. The start of the race is punctuated by the Boston

Police Gaelic Pipe and Drum Corps and the finish by the sounds of drum beats on Williams Street as you race towards the flow of Sam Adams. Post race, the food spread is ample. There are hot dogs, pasta, fruit, and all sorts of chips, cookies, and snacks as well as an abundance of water. The beer line is long, but the Sam is free, so you can’t beat that. There is a DJ outside and a band inside. The club has also had the privilege of having a tented area in the lot over the past few years and it makes for a great post-race hangout spot, too. The race is always the Sunday before Easter, so mark your calendars for next year’s fun filled day.

Jason Carraro, Jeanette, Rich Tabbut, ret Newall - all members Julie Arrison, and Marga lition marathon team. of the Franklin park coa

Kristen Miano and Jessica Capano at the Doyle’s Five Miler

Body & Soul Massage is hosting an open house for the Wicked Running Club Thursday May 8th at 7pm. 60 Washington St, 2d floor, Salem Join us as we explore the different modalities of massage and why it’s important in both your training and recovery. Several techniques will be demonstrated and special package discounts will be offered. Body & Soul Massage has been offering therapeutic massage in Salem for 9 years. Owner Ann Sousa is an active member of the Wicked Running Club. She has a background in exercise science and specialized in sports massage. Guest Speaker Dr. Michael C. Davekos will be discussing the importance of Chiropractic care and nutrition as you train to achieve your optimum results. Dr. Michael Davekos has been in practice for over 19 years in Peabody, MA, successfully treating thousands of patients ranging from the ripe old age of 2 weeks to 92 years young, as well as many weekend, elite, and professional athletes.Dr. Davekos has been a student, a practitioner, and a lecturer of nutrition for over 30 years. He has had great success working on sports nutritional / supplement plans for many amateur and professional athletes in an effort to enhance their athletic performance. For more information: www.bodysoulsalem.com http://www.davekoschiro.com/

The Wicked Running Register • March/April 2014 • newsletter@wickedrunningclub.com

Wicked Kudos From Julie Arrison: Thank you so much to the many Wicked members who have supported the Franklin Park Coalition Boston Marathon team over the past three seasons. Our local runners have raised over $45,000 to preserve a beautiful greenspace in Boston as well as to provide jobs and athletic opportunities for hundreds of underserved youth around Franklin Park. From Valerie Mathews: A big, HUGE thank you to Amber and the Woolfenden family for allowing the honor of representing their family at the Boston Marathon. Thanks also to all my training pals - I couldn’t have done it without you all to support me and to push me along! From Kelly Gifford: I’d like to give an extra special shout out to Joan Meagher for finishing her 1st Boston Marathon. Kudos to all our Wicked members who ran... there are so many of you I don’t want to miss

leaving anyone out so you know who you are...show off your Boston Wobble with pride. Congratulations. From Mike Paulin: Congrats to Brad Gates and T.R. Ramsdell for successfully completing their first Boston Marathon! From Don Galluci: Congrats to Alex and Ryan Gallucci in collecting hardware at the North Shore Fitness 5K. They ran a great race and finished strong, getting first and second in the Male, Under 17 Category!

1st and 2nd place, can’t beat that!

The Question Is ... Julie Arrison I love my small, 10 oz. Nathan QuickShot handheld. I drink a lot when I run, even short distances, and this is the perfect water bottle.

Wicked Kudos to Dave Long who places first overall in the Chase the Gorilla Down Argilla 5k.

Dave ran his way to first place!

From Jason Carraro: Wicked kudos to everyone who ran, volunteered, and spectated at Boston ! Kudos to Holly Fitzgerald, I would have not made it to the start line without your expertise, I can’t thank you enough ! From Donna Greenberg: Our running buddy and very special friend Judy Glock moved to New Jersey to start a new job in NYC. We have great memories of all the fun times we had with her and hope to invade NYC for a visit soon. We will miss her so much!!

... What Is Your Must Have Spring Running Gear?

Christin Shafer I found the Brooks Infiniti Headband to be perfect for in between seasons. Lightweight, covers the ears, and is moisture wicking.

Kathryn Price SHORTS on my fishbelly white legs after a long, cold overly-layered-onlong-runs winter! Kelly Pheulpin loves the new colors Skirt Sport Gym Girl Ultra comes in!

The Wicked Running Register • March/April 2014 • newsletter@wickedrunningclub.com

You Might Be Interested In… Listing Your Business!

A benefit of being an active member of the Wicked Running Club is to have your name and profession/business and/or non-profit affiliation listed on the Club’s website where all members can access this list as a reference for services that may be needed, such as electrician, plumber, auto mechanic, legal services, house cleaner, fence company owner, non-profit, etc. Members are on their own liability if they chose to network, hire or buy from members of the Wicked Running Club. The Wicked Running Club takes no responsibility on any transaction which takes place between members. The listing is a privilege of being an active member, and there are two criteria to have your name and profession listed: 1.You must be a member in good standing for at least one year; 2. You must volunteer at one Wicked event, or be active on a committee each year your listing appears. The Wicked Running Club does not endorse any businesses nor take responsibility for any transactions between members. Each member will handle all inquiries and transactions independently and hold Wicked Running Club harmless and release any and all claims for damages against the Wicked Running Club.

If you would like to be listed, email your name, the email address you want in your listing, phone number, website address and type of business you own or work at to: dougbollen12@yahoo.com

OPEN HOUSE Come join current members and friends for coffee and bagels under the tent and learn more about our fabulous club! The event starts at 8 am and feel free to stick around for a run at 9 am with club members.

OUR MEMBERS HAVE SPOKEN AND WE ARE LOOKING FOR A COACH! The Wicked Running Club is inviting Track Coaches to submit proposals for one season of coaching from July to October 2014 to provide coaching to Club Members once a week for two (2) hours in the evening at a local track or facility to be named.

We hope to see you there! JUNE 7TH at the SALEM COMMON | 8 AM

Get Out and Volunteer! Kerry Phelan is looking for volunteers for the 6th annual Wicked Kidz Race which will take place at Marblehead High School on Saturday, July 26th 2014. This race attracts around (100) 6 -14 year olds as they race in either (or both) a 1/2 mile and 1 mile loop. Time commitment usually runs between 8am and 11am at the latest and it has always been a really fun time for both the kids and volunteers! Email Kerry at: kphelan18@gmail.com if you are interested!

We are advertising for a Club Coach posting - internally and externally. The first 2 weeks from April 30 - May 14 will be posted internally for any members who would like to be considered for the WRC coaching position. Then we will have an external posting for 2 more weeks from May 15 - May 29 for any nonClub member to apply for the WRC coaching position. If you’d like to receive the Coaching Job Description, email TR Ramsdell, WRC President, at wrccoach@gmail.com. If applying for the position include your letter of intent and resume. Once the application period expires, the Board will meet to review any letter/resume submissions. Our hope is to make a decision by July 1st at the latest!

The Wicked Running Register • March/April 2014 • newsletter@wickedrunningclub.com

Where in the World is Wicked? More Fitness, Women’s Half Marathon | Central Park, NYC Annie Miller, Debbie Shahidi Caron Weiner, Donna Greenberg, Robin Lermond and Stacey Riley all smiles and medals.

Oasis of the Seas | Somewhere in the middle of the Ocean? T.R Ramsdell is taking in the view on the world’s largest cruise ship.

Color Vibe 5k Fort Myers, Florida Marie Gesnaldo and Ann Sousa after running a colorful race!

The Wicked Running Register • March/April 2014 • newsletter@wickedrunningclub.com

Saint Louis, Missouri While there for a conference, Paul Goodwin did his morning runs in his “colors.”

Wicked Art Bar, A&B Burger | Salem, MA Judy Glock, Donna Greenberg, Beth Griffin, Lisa Dibella and Debbie Shahidi show off their “Miles” masterpieces.

Warrior Dash 5K | Mt. Gunstock, Gilford, NH and a Hot Air Balloon Ride | Salem, NH Tom Lubas is all over the place!

The Wicked Running Register • March/April 2014 • newsletter@wickedrunningclub.com

Get Out and Race 1st Annual New England Running Company 10 Mile Road Race June 22nd, 2014 @ 7:30 am - 5:00 pm Cove Community Center, 19 East Corning Street, Beverly, Ma Proceeds go to the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salem & Alzheimer’s Foundation of America CHIP TIMING on bib number provided by Racewire.com Register Early: Short Sleeve Technical Shirts for first 350 entrants! Email: dougbollen12@yahoo.com Website: https://racewire.com/register. php?id=3887 Part of the Wicked Grand Prix Series and New England Running Company 2014 Road Race Series!

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Sunday May 11, 2014 8:30 am

Leather City Common, Peabody, MA

www.patrickdowney5k.com All proceeds from the Patrick Downey 5K will go to the Esophageal Cancer Awareness Association (ECAA). Their mission is to provide education, awareness and support to patients dealing with EC as well as their families, who are always integral in the fight against cancer. Voted “Best 5K” in the Best Of Awards from North Shore Road Race Guide and featured in Runner’s World magazine as a race with “Sweet Swag”!

The 2014 North Shore Trail Series, brought to you by New England Running Company and Salomon! The North Shore Trail Series features nine local trail races spread across eight months. These lovely ladies completed the first race in the series, the Merrimack River 10 Miler in Andover. The next race in the series is the Kupenda 5 Mile Trail Race on June 7th!

and suggestions. Get in touch! PRESIDENT: T.R. Ramsdell mopartr@comcast.net VICE PRESIDENT: Doug Bollen dougbollen12@yahoo.com TREASURER: Karen Aalto kpaalto00@gmail.com SECRETARY: Alison Phelan alphelan2@gmail.com MEMBERSHIP DIR.: Kelly Pheulpin membership@wickedrunningclub.com CLOTHING DIRECTOR: Michael Harvey wickedrunninggear@gmail.com MEMBER-AT-LARGE: Elaine Goldman elaine_santoyo@yahoo.com MEMBER-AT-LARGE: Mike Paulin roadrunnermep@msn.com MEMBER-AT-LARGE: Jay Carraro scoobysnaxe@aol.com

- Lynn Woods Cross-Country Trails races start on May 28th at 6:30PM - Lynn Parks and Recreation Adult Track at Manning Field starts on June 2nd at 6:15PM - Lynn parks and Recreation Youth Track at manning Field starts on June 3rd at 6:15PM Further schedule details can be found at www.lwrun.org

Pictured, from left to right: Michele Campbell, Amber Woolfenden, Lisa Kelly (back), Lyn McCarthy (front), Valerie Mathews.

We welcome your questions

Non-Board Positions NEWSLETTER EDITOR: Christin Shafer newsletter@wickedrunningclub.com GRAND PRIX SERIES CO-COORDINATORS: T.R. Ramsdell mopartr@comcast.net Don Gallucci dongallucci67@gmail.com WEBMASTER: Tim Short tim.short1@gmail.com

The Wicked Running Register • March/April 2014 • newsletter@wickedrunningclub.com

An Epic Non-Stop Relay …from LA to Boston in aid of the One Fund Boston from March 16 to April 13

Chickasha, Okla ho

ma Karen Aalto an d two friends th e night before th ey ran stages 14 7 and 148 totalin g 19.5 miles.

Road Trip to OK! by Karen Aalto I record my workouts on a website called Dailymile. Over the years, I’ve connected with a number of other runners and follow their training. I have met a few local people at our meet ups, but not everyone. One of those runners, a woman from Dallas named Marcie, signed up to run two stages of the ORFB2 a couple of weeks ago, before a calf injury flared up. She ran a 5 mile run the Wednesday before her stages and realized she wasn’t sure she’d be able to do the whole thing, so she asked for people who might be interested in flying to Dallas (where she lives) and driving up to Oklahoma with her to run the stages, which totalled 19.5 miles. I was registered for the Eastern States 20 miler that weekend, but was feeling pretty uninspired; I felt like a roadtrip to run in sunny Oklahoma to help a friend out would maybe put the spark back in my own marathon training. Another girl from Eugene, Oregon - Christine - volunteered too.

I had never met either one of them before the weekend, but they seemed like such great people and I was all for the adventure. I flew into Dallas on Friday, met up with Christine at the airport, where Marcie picked us up. Her sister Hope came by, and we all drove to Chickasha, OK for the evening. Our stage started at 6:45 in the morning. It was dark and chilly, but we were running right into the sunrise, and you could feel the promise of sun and warmth. The route we were running - a 9 and 10.5 mile leg which followed SH 152 from Chickasha to Minco, OK -

was a series of hills. It’s funny, because I had this idea that Oklahoma would be more like Kansas - pancake flat, with a road that stretched as far as we could see. I was wrong! The part of Oklahoma we ran was NOT AT ALL FLAT. For most of our 19.5 miles, it was one hill after another. Still, a great run. Along the way we saw red rocks and valleys, lots of cows and windmills, a couple of dogs that tried to herd us into their cow pasture, and lots of

drivers who didn’t want to yield. In fact, one woman called the Oklahoma state police because “there were three high school girls running in the middle of 152!” Which gave us a huge laugh - we are most definitely MANY years out of high school. We met such great people: Dorothy, the woman who owned the convenience store at the end of stage 147, who wanted a picture with us, who told us she was proud of us; Danny Howell, a former Marine from St. Louis who was running one of the group stages that night and was too excited to wait. Danny and Kate - the amazing people from England who started this all. When we finished the second stage, we all exchanged hugs and tears and an amazement that we could play a small part in a their huge undertaking. For my part, I was so very happy to do something in my own way to honor the people who were affected by last year’s bombing. I don’t really know if I believe in fate, or that all things happen for a reason, but I love how the weekend worked out. It was my reminder from the universe: we are all connected...and all drops cause ripples.

The Wicked Running Register • March/April 2014 • newsletter@wickedrunningclub.com

tional for her and I - ending in a hug with Carlos Arredondo right after we finished.

3:15 AM Finished!

CT in Darien,

Midnight Run in CT! by Kathryn Price Last year, I found out about One Run in the beginning of June via a random ad on the side of my Facebook page. I ran the final eight mile stage, Newton to Boston, with my friend Emily, who completed Boston, but wasn’t far from the finish area when she heard the bombs go off. She was - as we all were - so saddened by what followed and I suggested it to her as a way to take back “her” finish line. It was unbelievably emo-

Waltham, start of stage 335

When I found out it was going to reprise this year, I was so excited - which lead me to sign up not just for the two Boston legs, but also a ten mile leg through my hometown of Greenwich, CT in the wee hours of Saturday morning (the day before the Boston legs). Joining me on my CT leg were my “recruits”: my sister, several friends from my high school track team, several strangers - and my parents, who were our “support vehicle.” I got to carry the GPS-enabled baton, “Miles Jr.,” and the American flag that (I think) joined us in Oklahoma. It was amazing and I felt elated at the finish and wanted to run more!! The boston legs were really different rather than a group of 8 or 10, we were joined by hundreds of others on a BEAUTIFUL day and we all had the same goal in mind: be positive, heal and overcome. I KNOW we did all of that and we raised close to $500,000!! I became “fast friends” with complete strangers on the first leg and chatted for 6.5 miles then was joined by my husband and four friends on the second 6.5 mile leg. Lastly,

shortly before the finished, we were joined by several survivors and family members of survivors for their first crossing of the finish line since the events of last April. In our group is a man currently undergoing chemo for colon cancer, a man with a rod in his back to ameliorate his scoliosis, and many other individuals who help me keep perspective on life daily. It was an amazing moment! I want to keep giving to ORFB. The people in this group convinced me that I had the guts to run my first marathon, they support each other endlessly, AND they raised money for an extremely worthwhile and meaningful charity. It sounds trite, but the group is extremely unique, positive and welcoming! I hope we get many more newcomers by next year!

The Wicked Running Register • March/April 2014 • newsletter@wickedrunningclub.com

An Epic Non-Stop Relay …from LA to Boston in aid of the One Fund Boston from March 16 to April 13 money for an amazing cause AND run the leg that crossed that finish line was very exciting to me. I set a very small goal to raise $250. Once family and friends truly started to understand what the event was and how much it meant to me, the donations rolled in. I wound up raising above my goal, it only took a few or well maybe a lot of facebook posts and emails.

A New Experience! by Christin Shafer I found out about One Run at the Wicked Banquet while chatting with Beth Griffin. As soon as I heard “relay” and that the event benefited One Fund my ears perked up. To me, this was a whole new experience! I moved here a year and a half ago from Pennsylvania and did not actually know very much about the Boston Marathon until last April. As soon as I could, I registered to run Stage 336 which was the last leg that started at Christian Herter Park and ended at the marathon finish. To know that I could participate in such a huge event, raise

Beth had invited me to come along with her, Kelly and Lisa to drive into the city to the start of Stage 336. After collectively agreeing that we could not make it on time to the beginning of Stage 336 we went to the 4 mile mark. After a few minutes of anxiously waiting to start, pictures with our new ORFB friends, we were off and jogging. I could’ve cared less how fast we went, the emotions of running with that group carried with me all the way to the finish. Crossing the bridge and seeing the American flags was breathtaking. The strength and energy in the air as we all walked across the last 50 yards towards the finish with the survivors was amazing. I had the pleasure of meeting Danny and Kate at the marathon. They give the best hugs and are extraordinary people. This

is the most memorable event to date that I’m honored to be a part of. I’ve been running for a few years, but moving here sure has opened my eyes and legs to an amazing community of runners and races.

Presentation of Fire Department Patches from all over! After the tragic lost of Firefighter Michael Kennedy and Lt. Edward Walsh, OneRun runners started collecting patches from fire departments across the U.S. On April 18th they presented all of them to Engine 33 Ladder 15. A coworker of mine’s boyfriend is a fireman for Quincy and I was able to contribute a patch to this beautiful presentation of support and love.

Stage 336, 4 miles from the finish Kate Treleav en presenting

the patches

The Wicked Running Register • March/April 2014 • newsletter@wickedrunningclub.com

An ORFB Highlight by Kelly Gifford The highlight of OneRun for me was spending a few hours with John and Karen Odom while they were being interviewed by NBC and CBS. I was there for support representing ORFB. They are two of the most gracious, humble and strong people I have had the good fortune to meet. John and Karen walked over the Boston Marathon Finish line with other survivors and Carlos Arrendondo as part of the finale for the ORFB relay. They are huge supporters of the ORFB.

Sports Illustrated invited Bostonians to be part of the ‘Boston Strong’ cover shoot Here are few photos Kelly Gifford contributed from this event, and her story on next page!

The Wicked Running Register • March/April 2014 • newsletter@wickedrunningclub.com

Sports Illustrated Cover Shoot

almost 1.5 hours for Boston City Mayor Marty Walsh to arrive. SI staff worked tirelessly setting up the shot and moving people into position.Cheers erupted when Firefighters from Engine 33/ Ladder 15 arrived. More cheers as the Mayor was placed in position. Within 5 minutes of his arrival the call was given to raise our hands and shout out loud that we are Boston Strong. One, Two, Three shots and that’s a wrap. Random strangers hugged one another, took selfies with Carlos, Dave, Marty et al. and made promises to keep in touch. “I’ll Facebook you.” As it turned out people really did. Many of the survivors and first responders I spoke with reached out to me on FB to tell me that they would see me the next day at the ORFB relay and after party.

by Kelly Gifford When I saw the open casting call for the Sports Illustrated cover shoot I didn’t give it a second thought. I knew I wanted to be there. I had to be there. This was an opportunity any native Bostonian sports fan would jump at. Wasn’t it? I picked up my cell phone to call my boyfriend to ask if he would like to join me for the 7:00 a.m. shoot on the Boston Marathon Finish Line. This would mean getting up at 5:30 a.m. I could not have foreseen what was to happen next. My motive for attending changed completely and immediately with his reply. Somehow, and this is another story entirely, my boyfriend Steve was asked to be on the Board for One Run for Boston2. As it turned out, the Board off ORFB was contacted and invited directly by the people from Sports Illustrated to participate in the photo shoot. Wow, this was fantastic. Not only was I going to attend but now I was an invited guest. In another turn of events, Lori Tosches, founder of Boston Strong Ducks, www. bostonstrongducks.com, was unable to attend and asked if we would keep an eye on her friends, offering support or assistance if, when and wherever needed. Lori is an incredible women who has befriended so many of the survivors in the last year. They trust her and as an unofficial ambassador for ORFB I was happy to oblige as many of the survivors were actively involved with ORFB and were planning on participating in the last leg of the cross country relay from L.A. to Boston the following day. What was I going to wear to show my Boston pride? This was easy. My ORFB T-shirt, my 2013 Boston Marathon vol-

unteer jacket, running pants and running shoes. The only debate I had with myself when getting dressed that morning was weather or not to wear my “real” running shoes, the one’s I wore in my last 1/2 marathon that would soon need to be retired or regular old running shoes. As a runner I don’t usually wear the running shoe I am actively running in as I don’t want to wear them down or out or whatever it is. Maybe it was superstition but I opted to wear the old pair. Nothing could have prepared me for what I saw as I approached Boylston Street at 6:45 a.m. There must have already been 2500 people gathered.Men, women and children of all ages were neatly assembled. The media coverage of the photo shoot was electrifying. Cameras were everywhere trying to get the best shot of Carlos and Melida Arrendondo, Dave McGilvary and other B.A.A. representatives, the first responders, survivors and city dignitaries. The mood was light as people very patiently waited

I am passionate about a lot of things however the City of Boston, The Boston Marathon and the One Run for Boston are among the top 10 and to have them all intersect on the same day was truly amazing. I, like many others have been trying my best to heal after the horrible attack on our city, our runners, our people. I saw so much love, strength and pride at the Sports Illustrated Cover Shoot. People were truly united in support. I have never been more proud to call Boston my home. Note: As we lined up on the Finish Line I felt a twinge of regret and disloyalty to my trusty and loyal running shoes. After having supported me for so many miles I felt that they should have been there with me.